Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera, Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
BERRIES export earnings surged by 34 percent — from US$7,8 million in the nine months to September 2024 to US$10,4 million in the same period this year — driven by Zimbabwe’s efforts to tap into the lucrative Chinese market.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show that export volumes rose by 18 percent, from 5 319 tonnes to 6 273 tonnes, while the average price increased by 13 percent, from US$1,46 to US$1,66 per kilogramme.
Berries are an emerging sub-sector within horticulture that has shown remarkable growth in recent years. The classification includes cranberry, mulberry, blueberry, strawberry and raspberry — with much of the expansion attributed to blueberries.
Zimbabwe recently signed a blueberry export protocol with China, allowing exporters to access the market subject to meeting sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
“The milestone signing of the blueberry protocol with China in September did not happen overnight but was the result of extensive behind-the-scenes work, countless meetings and close co-ordination between stakeholders.
“Our growers will now have access to one of the world’s fastest-growing blueberry markets, with Zimbabwe’s blueberry production expected to rise from 8 000 tonnes in 2024 to 12 000 tonnes in 2025.
“Our collective focus must now shift to scaling up investment through supportive policies and ensuring quality compliance,” said Horticultural Development Council (HDC) chief executive, Mrs Linda Nielsen.
Driven by the global trend towards healthy lifestyles, China’s blueberry imports have surged from just 665 tonnes in 2005 to nearly 39 000 tonnes in 2024, mainly sourced from Peru and Chile.
“The entry of Zimbabwean blueberries, known for their unique taste and texture, brings a new source of supply to that market,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s unique climatic conditions give its berries a distinct advantage in size, flavour and texture, making them popular in global markets. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, low in calories, and high in vitamins C and K — making them a key component of a healthy diet.
Zimbabwe’s blueberry harvest season runs from May to October.
“Our early-season window gives local growers a competitive edge, allowing them to enter global markets ahead of other producers,” she said.
Blueberries are being cultivated in several areas across the three Mashonaland provinces and Manicaland.
“Overall, Zimbabwe has very good climatic conditions for high-quality berry production. The majority of Zimbabwe’s produce is transported by air, with producers always exploring the most viable routes to market,” Mrs Nielsen said.
HDC board member and blueberry farmer, Mr Willard Zireva, recently emphasised the importance of market connections for a thriving export business.
“What transformed my business was not just better farming techniques — it was understanding market requirements and building linkages. When I started focusing on what the market actually wanted, and not just what I could grow, everything changed,” he said.
Mr Zireva, who has been in horticulture since 1993 — starting with mangetout peas before moving into the lucrative blueberry sector — said his growth had been hindered by limited access to finance, power and water.
“Blueberries are only irrigated during the day, not at night, and any load shedding during the day negatively affects us growers, as we are forced to use expensive diesel-powered electricity generation.
“One hectare of blueberry has 4 000 plants in pots and each plant requires five litres of water per day — a total of 20 000 litres,” Mr Zireva said.
He has been stuck on 12 hectares for several years due to limited water availability, but plans to expand the planted area to 50 hectares.
